The most frequently asked question from clients and students is… “Can I use EFT for another problem other than anxiety?”

The answer is most definitely YES! See below for other problems and conflicts that EFT treatment has been shown to help resolve.

Anxiety Relief:
EFT has been shown to successfully alleviate acute anxiety attacks, generalized anxiety, and the fear of public speaking. The duration of the problem does not seem to matter when it comes to EFT’s effectiveness. However, some anxiety disorders are more complicated than others and have several layers that need attention so make sure you are working with a qualified EFT practitioner.

Phobias:
In addition, EFT has an impressive record when it comes to neutralizing specific phobias such as claustrophobia, fear of needles, elevators, spiders etc. By tapping the endpoints of the meridians while tuning in to the problem, the "congested energy" is "metabolized" and the anxiety dissolves. (Click here to view Carol’s case history on claustrophobia.)

Guilt, Shame and Low Self-Esteem:
EFT can help to relieve guilt and shame by targeting specific events and beliefs underlying these feelings. Clients are empowered to mature emotionally by integrating what they have learned from past actions. The negative limiting beliefs we hold about ourselves (such as I’m not worthy, I don’t deserve success, I’m not lovable) that support poor self-esteem can be transformed with EFT.

Pain Control/Physical Ailments:
Regardless of the medically documented structural damage shown in x-rays, MRI’s or blood tests, there have been case studies that indicate EFT has been successful in helping to alleviate pain and rebalancing disease in the body. There are indications that EFT can help accelerate healing, improve circulation of energy, reduce muscle tension and address the emotional states that may have contributed to the onset of any physiological condition. EFT success stories include treatment for migraines, chronic back pain, post-surgical pain/bleeding/swelling, fibromyalgia, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, allergies, hypoglycemia, sinus problems, hemorrhoids, lactose intolerance and more. Again, the duration of the problem appears to be irrelevant when it comes to EFT’s effectiveness.

Smoking Cessation:
Smokers use cigarettes as a substance to tranquilize and quiet inner turmoil or anxiety. EFT has been shown to help eliminate the urge to smoke, alleviate physiological and psychological withdrawal symptoms, and neutralize environmental relapse triggers. All chemical dependency issues can be treated with EFT, including alcoholism, cocaine addiction, and dependency on prescription medications. (Click here to view a case study for smoking.) (Click here to order her manual, "Quit Smoking Now With Energy Therapy.")

Sports Performance:
Athletes are finding that EFT helps them to reduce muscle tension, conquer performance anxiety, and neutralize all other psychological blocks that may impede peak performance. When you watch professional athletes, you can see how their minds can trick them into reducing their effectiveness on the field, course or court. These athletes are trained beautifully and have all the skill necessary to compete at high levels. It is usually the stress, tension, fear of failure or success, and the pressure that interferes with their performance. EFT can help any professional or recreational athlete to improve their performance, especially under pressure. (Click here to see a case study on this topic.)

Trauma Relief:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is characterized by intrusive and recurring thoughts, feelings and images associated with the original traumatizing event. EFT addresses the variety of aspects of the traumatic event by diluting the intensity of the recurring memory and neutralizing the trauma itself. The client can then emotionally reorganize and develop more adaptive attitudes and constructive behaviors to suit his or her current life. It has been observed that EFT also appears to accelerate healing by initiating the forgiveness process. (For two case studies on trauma, click Case Study #7 and Case Study #8.)

Weight Loss:
Food is often used as a tranquilizer to anesthetize deep anxiety and emotional pain. EFT has been shown to target and relieve feelings that drive urgent food cravings, compulsive overeating, and sabotaging behavior. In addition, EFT has been shown to help relieve distorted body images and effectively prevent relapse weight gain after weight goals have been reached. (Click here to view some of Carol’s articles on weight loss.) (Click here to order her manual, "How to Lose Weight with Energy Therapy.")

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. (Q) How can a single treatment method address such a variety of issues?
(A) The discovery statement of EFT states that "the cause of all negative emotion is an imbalance in the energy system." All reactions, feelings, responses or physical symptoms can be addressed by balancing the human energy system with EFT. The theory behind EFT is that once the energy system has been balanced, the depression lifts, the anxiety is neutralized or the physical pain is alleviated.

2. (Q) Are there any contraindications to using EFT?
(A) The research so far has indicated that there are no contraindications to using EFT. To date, minimal side effects have been reported other than occasional temporary fatigue. However, this does not mean that you will not experience adverse side effects. If you intend to use these techniques, you must agree to take full responsibility for the results and for your physical and emotional well-being. You may wish to consult a trained EFT practitioner for professional application of these techniques.

3. (Q) What prevents EFT from working?
(A) If you are a living breathing human or animal, the theory is EFT should work on you. Occasionally, the targeted issue is approached too globally which results in ineffective relief. In rare cases, energy toxins such as perfumes or certain foods produce an allergic reaction in an individual’s energy system and retard, or temporarily reverse treatment. Skilled EFT practitioners will spot this block and be able to treat the client effectively.

4. (Q) Can I treat myself?
(A) Absolutely; this is why I offer many books, DVDs and audio CDs to guide you. However, many people consult EFT practitioners for the objectivity and experience that will likely insure successful treatment. (Finding a Practitioner)

5. (Q) Suppose my illness has lasted decades or is an inherited condition?
(A) EFT has been shown to alleviate symptoms regardless of duration, etiology, or family history. The duration of the condition does not seem to effect the outcome or length of treatment needed.

6. (Q) How long will the treatment last?
(A) It is difficult to predict this outcome in each individual case, however, indications are that long-lasting results are routine when using EFT properly and aiming it at the right targets. If the practitioner successfully treats the core of the problem, it has been shown to provide permanent relief.

7. (Q) Can EFT be used for children?
(A) Yes, usually with superb results. Since children are less critical than adults, they have less of a need to understand the inner working of the energy system, and can therefore allow the treatment process to unfold more naturally. See Gary Craig’s web site www.emofree.com and search for articles on the treatment of children.)

8. (Q) Why does EFT focus on the negative so much? Can this hurt me?
(A) In order for EFT to work, you must be tuned in to your problem, for example, actually feeling some of the anxiety. This allows the treatment to be "aimed" at the problem, and be neutralized as a result of using the tapping. For a comprehensive study of installing the positive aspects, see Dr. Patricia Carrington’s Choices manual. Contact Dr. Carrington at DrPatCarrington@comcast.net or order through her web site http://www.eftsupport.com.

9. (Q) How do I find out more about EFT and related treatments?
(A) Consult Gary Craig’s web site, http://www.emofree.com. In addition to finding a complete tutorial for EFT, you will find hundreds of case histories, philosophical studies, a support e-mail list, and a series of superb training tapes for sale. In addition, the web site provides numerous links to related Energy Psychology web sites.

Please be sure to keep your body well hydrated. Emotional Freedom Techniques and other energy therapies work with the electricity of your body, and water conducts electricity.